Chrysanthemum plant named Lilac Moneymaker

ABSTRACT

A Chrysanthemum plant named Lilac Moneymaker, particularly characterized by its anemone capitulum type and flat capitulum form; lilac ray floret color, and by its lilac colored mature petaloids which form around the disc florets.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofChrysanthemum, botanically known as Chrysanthemum morifolium, andreferred to by the cultivar name Lilac Moneymaker.

Lilac Moneymaker is a spontaneous mutation of Moneymaker, disclosed in apending application of applicant. Lilac Moneymaker was discovered byapplicant in 1985 while growing in a cultivated bed of the parentcultivar Moneymaker. The new cultivar was immediately recognized due toits lilac ray floret color, as compared with the light pink ray floretcolor of Moneymaker.

The first act of asexual reproduction of Lilac Moneymaker wasaccomplsiehd when vegetative cuttings were taken following discovery ina controlled environment in De Lier, The Netherlands by a technicianworking under formulations established and supervised by applicant.Horticultural examination of selected units has demonstrated that thecombination of characteristics as herein disclosed for Lilac Moneymakerare firmly fixed and are retained through successive generations ofasexual reproduction.

Lilac Moneymaker has not been observed under all possible environmentalconditions. The phenotype may vary significantly with variations inenvironment such as temperature, light intensity, and day length. Thefollowing observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsgrown in De Lier, The Netherlands under greenhouse conditions whichapproximate those generally used in commercial practice.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Lilac Moneymaker, which in combinationdistinguish this Chrysanthemum as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Flat capitulum form.

2. Anemone capitulum type.

3. Lilac ray floret color.

4. Diameter across the face of the capitulum is 45-50 mm.

5. Petaloids are formed around the disc florets, which are very similarin color to the ray floret color.

Except for color, Lilac Moneymaker is identical in all relevantcharacteristics to the parent cultivar Moneymaker.

The accompanying photographic drawing shows in front view typicalinflorescence and foliage characteristics of Lilac Moneymaker, withcolors being as true as possible with illustrations of this type.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color values were determinedbetween 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon in September under natural daylight atDe Lier, The Netherlands.

Classification:

Botanical.--Chrysanthemum morifolium, Ramat., cv. Lilac Moneymaker.

Commercial.--Cut anemone spray.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Capitulum:

Form.--Flat.

Type.--Anemone.

Diameter across face.--45-50 mm.

B. Corolla of ray florets:

Color (general tonality from a distance of three meters).--Lilac.

Color (upper surface).--R.H.S. 62C-D changing to 75C at inner peripheryof ray florets, and approximately 70C in mature center.

Color (under surface).--Somewhat lighter than 62C-D.

C. Corolla of disc florets:

Color.--Immature centers are yellow-green, with discs maturing to rayfloret color near periphery, and petaloids of same color surrounding thedisc florets.

D. Reproductive organs:

Androecium.--Present only in disc florets; numerous.

Gynoecium.--Present in both disc and ray florets; numerous.

PLANT

A. General Appearance:

Height.--90 cm.

B. Foliage:

Color (upper surface).--137A.

Color (under surface).--137B.

Shape.--Deeply serrated.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant namedLilac Moneymaker, as described and illustrated, and parts thereof.